Analogue Pre amp - fantastic upgrade

[mond]

I've been using the digital volume control in my Linn Klimax Renew DS , directly connected to my Linn power amp for some time now, and although it sounded good it didn’t sound great, and I thought it should be sounding better than it was (especially considering the cost)

After exploring several avenues I decided to take a punt on a analogue pre amp courtesy of Fidelity Audio, a company based in Doncaster that make small pre amps, headphone amps and specialise in upgrading various pieces of kit including amps and cd players

I opted for the SE version of their single source pre amp - the PRE 120. I didn't get a chance to try before buying but after a couple of online conversations with Brent from Fidelity Audio I decided to take a punt on this unit, that weighs in at £600 including postage

I'm pleased to report that this is one of the best upgrades ever in my 30 year hifi journey, worth every penny and has transformed my system from a good one to a great one. So much more enjoyable to listen to now with more detail, more warmth and definitely more musical (I certainly know what that word means now!)

This really was quite a revelation , I was hoping for an improvement, but didn’t expect this level of improvement, it really has enhanced all elements of the sound, one of the areas that is most noticeable is the bass, I wasn’t actually expecting that, but it is very welcome as using small stand mount speakers any increase in bass is always a plus point. There is more of a smoothness and more separation, increased body and weight and also to my surprise there is now more detail (I thought there may have been slightly less if anything) and an overall more refined and engaging sound

I would recommend anyone that is using a digital system that feels that their system is lacking that musicality and boogie factor, soulfulness or warmth to try using a quality analogue preamp between your components. I appreciate that in theory this could actually deteriorate the sound as it is less direct and adding extra stages to the signal, in my case it was definitely an improvement. I will certainly be hanging on to this unit for the foreseeable future. My feet are now firmly tapping along..........

The Fidelity Audio Pre 120 SE is a keeper for me and highly recommended as a single source analogue pre amp solution.

Happy days

 

[Pedro2]

as I'm also using digital volume control (from a Linn Akurate). I know there are a number of Linnies who are strongly in favour of adding an additional (analogue) pre-amp to the sound chain, despite the fact that Linn have stopped making them. Linn state that they are no longer needed as digital volume control is as good/better than any analogue device.

Having not heard one, it's hard to comment, so your post is interesting, Mond. The price is not prohibitive, although it's not like buying a cheap cable. Did Brent give you the option of returning if you didn't like it? I have dealt with Fidelity Audio in the past and he came across as a good, honest guy (he upgraded a Logitech Squeezebox many years ago). Also seem to remember him loving ATC speakers (I had a pair of scm11s before going active several months ago).

One major PITA if I were to dip my toe here would be cables. I currently use XLR to XLR from the DSM so would need RCA to XLR connectors. I really like the simplicity of what I use at present and don't fancy a return to the land of cable switching!

Do you still use the internal volume control of your Linn and control it with Kazoo/handset or do you manually turn the knob on the new pre-amp? Thanks

 

[mond]

Hi Pedro,

I have read many times on the Linn forum of the pros and cons of using an analogue pre, and did actually try a Lejonklou preamp (that they swear by on that site) and a Tisbury passive pre, but neither made much, if any difference to these ears. The Fidelity however is a different beast altogether, and at least in my system really did make a big and very favourable improvement.

It's always difficult recommending things as all systems, rooms and ears are different but for me this one is now a must in my set up. It’s really brought the sound to life and I feel I am finally hearing what the Linn electronics are capable of. There is a cheaper version but I thought I'd jump right in with the SE version to prevent niggling thoughts later.....

Not sure about the cable issues you mention as I have only ever used rca, I use Chord chameleon cables which often turn up on the used market.....

Actually the only negative is I do have to keep adjusting the volume by getting up and walking over to it - it's interesting how nearly all recordings seem to be recorded at varying levels, luckily I don't have to walk far to adjust but it is a bit of a pain, although definitely worth the sacrifice for me.

One reason I opted for this solution is that it is small enough to squeeze in next to the Renew so no extra shelf space required. In fact 1 x Renew plus 1 X Pre 120 neatly equals one full size unit which is another bonus for me.

I don't remember a return option to be honest, but you could always ask or sell it on for not much of a loss.

There's no turning back for me though, I'm very happy with the results



Mond

 

[CnoEvil]

I've never been totally convinced by a digital volume control....but wasn't sure if it's because I'm Old School and set in my ways.

Glad you are starting to make the most of that excellent Klimax Renew DS.

 

[mond]

Hi Cno,

Yes it's certainly made me realise what I've been missing. Digital volumes are OK and can be very practical but seem to lag behind their analogue counterparts in producing the music rather than just the detail and information. I daresay this will vary of course from system to system and personal taste.

Are you still planning on your departure from Linn and exploring new avenues? I think I'm only just starting to appreciate how good Linn can sound when it all comes together well and the synergy is working.....

mond

 

[CnoEvil]

Are you still planning on your departure from Linn and exploring new avenues? I think I'm only just starting to appreciate how good Linn can sound when it all comes together well and the synergy is working.....

I have no plans to move away from the Linn DS. If I move away, it will be from Kef to Harbeth.

 

[mond]

sorry, must have been someone else!

 

[andyjm]

I've been using the digital volume control in my Linn Klimax Renew DS , directly connected to my Linn power amp for some time now, and although it sounded good it didn’t sound great, and I thought it should be sounding better than it was (especially considering the cost)

After exploring several avenues I decided to take a punt on a analogue pre amp courtesy of Fidelity Audio, a company based in Doncaster that make small pre amps, headphone amps and specialise in upgrading various pieces of kit including amps and cd players

I opted for the SE version of their single source pre amp - the PRE 120. I didn't get a chance to try before buying but after a couple of online conversations with Brent from Fidelity Audio I decided to take a punt on this unit, that weighs in at £600 including postage

I'm pleased to report that this is one of the best upgrades ever in my 30 year hifi journey, worth every penny and has transformed my system from a good one to a great one. So much more enjoyable to listen to now with more detail, more warmth and definitely more musical (I certainly know what that word means now!)

This really was quite a revelation , I was hoping for an improvement, but didn’t expect this level of improvement, it really has enhanced all elements of the sound, one of the areas that is most noticeable is the bass, I wasn’t actually expecting that, but it is very welcome as using small stand mount speakers any increase in bass is always a plus point. There is more of a smoothness and more separation, increased body and weight and also to my surprise there is now more detail (I thought there may have been slightly less if anything) and an overall more refined and engaging sound

I would recommend anyone that is using a digital system that feels that their system is lacking that musicality and boogie factor, soulfulness or warmth to try using a quality analogue preamp between your components. I appreciate that in theory this could actually deteriorate the sound as it is less direct and adding extra stages to the signal, in my case it was definitely an improvement. I will certainly be hanging on to this unit for the foreseeable future. My feet are now firmly tapping along..........

The Fidelity Audio Pre 120 SE is a keeper for me and highly recommended as a single source analogue pre amp solution.

Happy days

I am glad you are finding this an improvement.

As you have correctly pointed out, the only thing the pre amp will do is remove something that is already there (act as a filter), or add something that isn't (add noise). Clearly, one or other of these things is pleasing to your ears.

I am slightly suspicious of a company that sells a 'CD demagnetiser' though.